Lake Hattah Campground, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Marton Bodonyi

22 Jan 2018 · Updated 27 Oct 2020

For: Breathtaking beauty, birdlife, wildlife, excellent amenities, accessible, great for families
Against: Pricey in peak season, limited walks

Just south of Mildura off the Calder Highway lies Lake Hattah Campground and the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. It easily ranks as one of the most beautiful and well maintained campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at.

Despite requiring booking, individual campsites can’t be reserved so it’s first come, first served. There’s ample space for motor-campers and tent campers alike and we opted for a secluded spot off to the west end, next to Little Hattah Lake, complete with a picnic table and fire pit.

You can pitch your tent right next to Little Hattah Lake

Amenities

There are 3 sets of modern, clean, well ventilated drop toilets complete with rain water tanks placed throughout the campground. The campsite feels extremely well maintained with rubbish and recycling regularly cleared by park rangers.

Wildlife

The wildlife in and around the lakes is next level. The lakes are a wildlife sanctuary for migrating birds and come alive during sunrise and sunset. The area around the lakes also hosts kangaroos and emus, of which we spotted both during our dawn walk. Emus are stealthy and easy to startle so tread quietly and keep your eyes wide open.

Hot Tip: Coffee & Sunrise

The colour of the sky and the way it reflects on the lakes during sunrise is so beautiful we ended up waking up at 5 am two days in a row. I don’t know about you but for us that’s saying something.

Mel grinding coffee beans before our sunrise walk.

Thankfully we brought plenty of coffee and put the Jetboil to good use before heading off. If you fancy a walk, the Bugle Ridge Track is around 2 hours return with ample opportunities to stop and watch the local wildlife start their day — flocks of colourful birds including the brilliant Mulga Parrot! The path doesn’t go directly next to the lakes but instead follows the ridge between the lakes which is absolutely packed full of life at that time of morning.

Lake Hattah Camping Area

The campground is managed by Parks Vic and costs $29.30 for a night’s stay in off-peak seasons. It’s a stunning piece of Australia that’s a must-visit for anyone travelling around the Mallee region.